Abu Dhabi to focus on reducing energy, water consumption

Around 80 per cent of applicants for new construction developments in Abu Dhabi City have fulfilled the sustainability requirements of Estidama (sustainability) project of Abu Dhabi Urban Planning Council (UPC), Salah Al Saraj, acting executive director, town planning, Municipality of Abu Dhabi City told Khaleej Times on Sunday.

“We will be implementing gradually the Estidama requirements. Now we are focused on reducing the consumption of energy and water in upcoming buildings and fixing water taps,” Al Saraj told Khaleej Times on the sidelines of a Press Conference to announce UPC’s Estidama Pearl Villa Manual.

These are two major requirements that need to be implemented in all upcoming buildings and villas in the emirate of Abu Dhabi, Al Saraj added.

Since the implementation of Estidama about two years ago, the Municipality of Abu Dhabi city has approved 100 applications which followed Estidama category 1. And 60 applications were permitted for Estidama category 2 requirements, Al Saraj said.

The UPC and the municipality have unveiled here the ‘Estidama Pearl Villa Owner Manual’ to assist villa owners, design consultants, contractors and suppliers in maintaining Estidama standards during villa construction process.

In May 2010, an announcement was made of the Executive Council’s approval of the Pearl Rating System for Estidama.

The Pearl Rating System is a key component of Estidama that deals specifically with the built environment and its performance in relation to economic, environmental, cultural and social aspects.

“The new manual was launched on Sunday and in the coming days we will be inspecting buildings and villas to see if they have started following the specifications or not,” Al Saraj said.

Al Saraj reiterated that the pearling system is still valid. “What we have done today is to reduced the requirements in the pearling system. But all contractors and villa owners have to follow the categories (one, two and three). One pearl rating is mandatory for all properties in Abu Dhabi Emirate, Al Saraj said. Three pearls are still required for all government entities or government-financed projects.

“For all those involved with the design and construction of a villa, this manual aims to quicken and aid the Estidama application process by advising on what is required, who to contact for assistance and where materials can be sourced,” said Amer Al Hammadi, Director of Planning and Infrastructure at the UPC. “It also explains the basics of Estidama and the Pearl Rating System and why these are such important initiatives for the future development and sustainability of the Emirate of Abu Dhabi.”

Estidama workshops are held in collaboration with the Department of Municipal Affairs and the three municipalities of the emirate to educate villa owners and make them better understand the requirements of Estidama, the benefits of sustainability, and the steps to apply for the mandatory One Pearl rating for all properties in Abu Dhabi.